New Library Options Come to Roanoke|ABC 13

text size: A | A | A

New Library Options Come to Roanoke

posted 10:56 pm Sun October 14, 2007 - Roanoke, VA

tags: library • books

Going to the library is a little easier now in Roanoke. This past Friday, Roanoke Public Libraries opened its first e-Branch at Valley View Mall. We’d like to show you how it works and how something that started in the Star City may come to a library near you.

Please Upgrade To Flash!

ABC 13 - New Library Options Come to Roanoke

related stories:

Candi Saunders is getting her first look at Roanoke's Public Library's newest branch.

Candi Saunders, Roanoke - "Convenience is number one in today's world."

And in a busy, fast-paced world, making a trip to a quiet library can be challenging. That's where Roanoke's e-Branch answers that dilemma.

Sheila Umberger, Library Director - "We needed to extend our services somewhere we weren't providing service now."

After a year-long study of the city's library system -- it was determined the role of the library has changed -- people need more convenient options.

The e-Branch allows people to pick up and drop off their books, CD's or DVD's while shopping at the mall.

Umberger - "So many people use this facility and its kind of the heart of the city."

Using the e-Branch is simple -- first stop, the computer kiosk.

Wendy Allen, Library Public Services - "We would search the system for this particular item, it would be sent to the main library, we would check it out to you and deliver it to the Valley View Mall."

And within two days, your book will be placed in one of these lockers, you type your library card number in to the keypad.

Allen - "And it says locker number four, they would open the locker and retrieve their book."

Matt Dreyer, Reporting - And when your book is due, returning it is very simple, you can take it back to any area library, or even right back here at the mall.

Saunders - "It's closer to where I live, instead of having to go to different locations, so it will be a lot better."

And library officials feel the e-Branch could encourage more people to see what it has to offer. Roanoke Library officials describe the e-Branch as the first of its kind and say they are already getting calls from libraries in other states. Roanoke plans for a second e-Branch in the Garden City area.

You need to be a registered member of
ABC 13 to leave comments on news stories.

Not a member yet? Click Here to sign up.

Please leave your comments below:

Messages that harass, abuse or threaten other members; have obscene or otherwise objectionable content; have spam, commercial or advertising content or inappropriate links may be removed and may result in the loss of your posting privileges. Please do not post any private information unless you want it to be available publicly. Never assume that you are completely anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.

The 'RUNNING MAN' icon is a registered trademark of America Online, Inc.